Editorial: The token support on marijuana

Nothing like having one of the state's top cops touting the idea of legalizing marijuana to turn up the action in the Statehouse.

In a Tuesday meeting with the State Budget Committee, Indiana State Police Superintendent Paul Whitesell was asked about bills headed to the legislature that would either legalize recreational use of marijuana or lessen the criminal penalties for small amounts of pot.

Whitesell said: "If it were up to me, I do believe I would legalize it and tax it."

Dude.

The Indiana State Police started reeling in the official line shortly afterward, saying Whitesell "personally understands the theoretical argument for taxation and legalization," but that he wasn't really for easier access to pot.

State Rep. Sheila Klinker, a Lafayette Democrat on the State Budget Committee, said she was taken aback when Whitesell answered her question on the topic. Klinker said later in a call with the J&C that "maybe it was time" to seriously look at the question. Maybe so.

There's not going to be a lot of support in the General Assembly to legalize the recreational use of marijuana. As House Speaker Brian Bosma told The Indianapolis Star: "As an entry drug, I think marijuana is more powerful than it's given credit for." He seemed dismissive of any bill aimed in that direction.

More reasonable, though, is a bill coming from Sen. Brent Steele. The Bedford Republican's plan would decrease the penalty for possession of 10 grams or less to an infraction and a $500 fine. The law now calls for a $5,000 fine and jail time.

Steele's point: The state can't afford to keep prosecuting and holding people accused of such small-time crime.

That's not a bad plan.

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Editorial: The token support on marijuana

Nothing like having one of the state's top cops touting the idea of legalizing marijuana to turn up the action in the Statehouse.